Amusement park element tracking system

ABSTRACT

A system includes one or more retro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a tracking system that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to track a position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that may emit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detector that may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflective markers, and a controller that may determine the position of the rider relative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detection of the reflected light and that may provide an indication of the position of the rider.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/673,643 entitled “AMUSEMENT PARK ELEMENT TRACKING SYSTEM,” filed Mar.30, 2015, which claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/001,551, filed May 21, 2014. Each of the foregoingapplications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of trackingsystems and, more particularly, to methods and equipment used to enabletracking of elements in a variety of contexts in an amusement parkthrough a dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system.

Tracking systems have been widely used to track motion, position,orientation, and distance, among other aspects, of objects in a widevariety of contexts. Such existing tracking systems generally include anemitter that emits electromagnetic energy and a detector configured todetect the electromagnetic energy, sometimes after it has been reflectedoff an object. It is now recognized that traditional tracking systemshave certain disadvantages and that improved tracking systems aredesired for use in a variety of contexts, including amusement parkattractions, workplace monitoring, sports, fireworks displays, factoryfloor management, robotics, security systems, parking, andtransportation, among others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the present disclosureare summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended onlyto provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, thepresent disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similarto or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In accordance with one embodiment, a system includes one or moreretro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a trackingsystem that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to tracka position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that mayemit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detectorthat may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflectivemarkers, and a controller that may determine the position of the riderrelative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detectionof the reflected light and that may provide an indication of theposition of the rider.

In accordance with a second embodiment, a method includes emittingelectromagnetic radiation from an emitter toward one or moreretro-reflective markers disposed in a detection region of an amusementpark ride. The emitter is a part of a tracking system that may track theone or more retro-reflective markers. The method also includesreflecting the electromagnetic radiation from the one or moreretro-reflective markers, detecting the reflected electromagneticradiation with a detector of the tracking system, determining a positionof a rider or a ride element based on the reflected electromagneticradiation using a controller communicatively coupled to the trackingsystem.

In accordance with a third embodiment, a system includes a controllerincluding one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable mediacollectively storing one or more sets of instructions and one or moreprocessing devices that may execute the one or more sets of instructionsto activate an emitter. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiationtowards retro-reflective markers disposed on an amusement park ride. Theone or more processing devices may also execute the one or more sets ofinstructions to receive detected electromagnetic radiation reflectedfrom all or a portion of the retro-reflective markers via a detector,determine a position of a rider or a ride element relative to theretro-reflective markers based on the detected electromagneticradiation, and actuate a device in response to the position of the rideror ride element. The device may adjust an operational parameter of theamusement park ride.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a tracking system utilizing adynamic signal to noise ratio device to track objects, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another tracking systemutilizing a dynamic signal to noise ratio device to track objects, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an amusement park ride vehiclehaving retro-reflective markers and traveling through an enclosed areahaving the tracking system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a ride vehicle for anamusement park with the tracking system of FIG. 1 for detecting whethera seat is occupied, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a seat for an amusement parkattraction, the seat having retro-reflective markers for use with thetracking system of FIG. 1 to track a position of a rider or seatfeature, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a seat having a pattern ofretro-reflective markers corresponding to an unoccupied seat, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the seat of FIG. 6 having apattern of retro-reflective markers corresponding to an occupied seat,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a seat having retro-reflectivemarkers for use with the tracking system of FIG. 1 to track a number ofriders positioned within the seat, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a wearable item in the form ofa wristband, the wristband having retro-reflective markers for use withthe tracking system of FIG. 1 to track a position of the rider, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram of a method for determining a statusof the seat via feedback from the tracking system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the seat ofFIG. 5 having retro-reflective markers for use with the tracking systemof FIG. 1 to evaluate rider size, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram of a method for determining a ridersize via feedback from the tracking system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side schematic representation of a child sitting in a ridevehicle that utilizes the tracking system of FIG. 1 to confirm that theseat restraint is locked, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side schematic representation of an adult sitting in theride vehicle that utilizes the tracking system of FIG. 1 to determinethat the seat restraint is not locked, in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a ride restraint systemhaving uncoupled connectors, the connectors having retro-reflectivemarkers that reflect light at different wavelengths, in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the ride restraint system ofFIG. 15 having coupled connectors, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a ride vehicle with thetracking system of FIG. 1 used to detect that a ride door is not closed,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the ride vehicle of FIG. 13with the tracking system used to confirm that the ride door is closed,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a schematic overhead view of the ride vehicle of FIG. 4, theride vehicle having retro-reflective markers for use with the trackingsystem of FIG. 1 to determine a boundary region;

FIG. 20 is a schematic overhead view of a centrifugal amusement parkride having retro-reflective markers for use with the tracking system ofFIG. 1 to determine a boundary region;

FIG. 21 is a process flow diagram of a method for controlling operationof an amusement park ride via feedback from the tracking system, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a water park attractionutilizing the tracking system of FIG. 1 to detect people using a deviceof the water park attraction, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Amusement parks include many rides that attract and entertain a largecrowd of people. It is now recognized that it may be advantageous toinclude a tracking system on the rides to facilitate tracking andmonitoring positions of people (e.g., riders), ride elements (e.g., riderestraints, ride boundaries, ride seat, ride vehicle, etc.), and objectsbefore, during, and after operation of the ride. Tracking and monitoringriders on the ride may allow an operator of the ride to determinewhether the ride is ready to be released from a loading section and/orensure that the rider is following proper ride procedures. As oneexample, the tracking system may be used to track a number of ridersthat enter and exit the ride before and after each ride cycle (from ridestart to ride finish). Additionally, the tracking system may be used todetermine a status of a ride seat (e.g., occupied or unoccupied),evaluate a position of the rider and/or a position of a rider restraint(e.g., cross bar, harness, seat belt) relative to the ride seat, rideboundaries, and/or objects (e.g., backpack, hat, wallet). Accordingly,the tracking system may facilitate a flow of riders in and out of theride in a reasonable amount of time, and thereby reduce ride wait times.

In certain embodiments, the tracking system is designed to detect arelative positioning of an illuminated component (disposed on the ride,rider, or object) having a properly correlated retro-reflectivematerial. The tracking system may utilize the relative positioning tomonitor a position or existence of the rider and/or specific objects(e.g., the restraint, the ride seat, backpack, hat, wallet) or the ridewithin a field of view of the tracking system, and to activate an alarmor control operation of the ride. In one embodiment, if a propercorrelation is found, the tracking system may provide an output to acomputer, display, or monitoring device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a dynamic signal to noise ratio trackingsystem 10 (hereinafter referred to as “tracking system 10”) inaccordance with present embodiments. The tracking system 10 is designedto detect relative positioning of an illuminated component having aproperly correlated retro-reflective material. As illustrated, thetracking system 10 includes an emitter 12, a sensing device 14, acontroller 16, and an actuatable device 18 (e.g., a ride activationswitch). The emitter 12 operates to emit electromagnetic radiation,which is represented by an expanding light beam 24 for illustrativepurposes, to selectively illuminate, bathe or flood a detection area 26in the electromagnetic radiation. The light beam 24 may berepresentative of multiple light beams being emitted from differentsources. Further, in some embodiments the light beam 24 is emitted at afrequency that has a correspondence to a material defining aretro-reflective marker 30 on an object 32 located within the detectionarea. Indeed, in the illustrated embodiment, the object 32 represents acomponent of a ride seat and the retro-reflective marker 30 represents apattern of such marker. In certain embodiments, the retro-reflectivemarker 30 may be disposed on the ride (e.g., the ride seat). In otherembodiments, the retro-reflective marker 30 may form part of a necklace,wristband, or button wearable by amusement park guests.

The retro-reflective marker 30 may include a coating of retro-reflectivematerial disposed on a body of the object 32, or a solid piece ofretro-reflective material coupled with the body of the object 32. Theretro-reflective marker 30 may coordinate with the light beam 24 toreflect electromagnetic radiation back toward the sensing device 14 tofacilitate identification of a location of the retro-reflective marker30 by the system 10. This location information (obtained using thereflected electromagnetic radiation) may then be utilized by thecontroller 16 to determine whether the actuatable device 18 or acomponent of the actuatable device 18 should be actuated. In someembodiments, the light beam 24 represents a limited number of lightbeams or light emissions (provided in series or simultaneously) that areused to identify the position of the object 32, which may be facilitatedby the retro-reflective marker 30. Indeed, the retro-reflective marker30 may operate or be designed to always or essentially always returnradiation (e.g., light) to its source.

Specifically, in operation, the sensing device 14 of the system 10 mayfunction to detect the light beam 24 bouncing off of theretro-reflective marker 30 and provide data associated with thedetection to the controller 16 via connections 40 (e.g., wired orwireless communication features) for processing. The sensing device 14may operate to specifically identify the marker 30 based on specificwavelengths of light emitted and reflected and, thus, avoid issues withfalse detections. In this regard, different types of retro-reflectivemarkers 30 (e.g., having different colors) may also be distinguishedfrom one another by the system 10. Also, such detection of theretro-reflective markers 30 may also facilitate pattern detection anddisruption, as discussed in further detail below. Once the controller 16receives the data from the sensing device 14, the controller 16 mayutilize a processor 42 and/or a memory 44 to determine a location of theretro-reflective marker 30. Indeed, the controller 16 may employ knownvisual boundaries or an established orientation of the sensing device 14(e.g., a priori information) to identify a location (e.g., coordinates)corresponding to the detected retro-reflective marker 30. These acts maybe carried out, for example, using one or more processing devices of theprocessor 42 in combination with the memory 44, which may include one ormore tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media collectivelystoring instructions executable by the processor 42.

The controller 16 may determine a change in reflected light intensityfrom the retro-reflective marker 30 or a change in a pattern of multipleretro-reflective markers 30. The memory 44 may store threshold valuescorresponding to a reflected light intensity profile or patternassociated with a status. For example, in certain embodiments, theretro-reflective marker 30 or a pattern of markers 30 may be partiallyor completely blocked. As such, the controller 16 may determine that anobject or rider is positioned over the retro-reflective marker 30. Inthis way, the tracking system 10 may track the position of the object orrider based on attenuation of the reflected light or changes in adetected pattern.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, thesystem 10 (e.g., using its associated components) may perform trackingof the riders 94 and/or ride elements (e.g., their positions andpositions relative to other ride features) based on the recognition ofpatterns, and the disruption of patterns formed by a plurality of theretro-reflective markers 30. For example, in a first ride configuration,the retro-reflective markers 30 may be present in a first pattern, whichis recognized and monitored by the system 10. If the first rideconfiguration were associated with, for example, a vacant seat, then thesystem 10 may associate the first pattern with a vacant ride seat.However, if the first ride configuration were to change, then the changemay result in a second pattern of the retro-reflective markers 30. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the system 10 is configured to detect thesecond pattern of the retro-reflective markers 30, associate the secondpattern with the change, and perform certain actions (e.g., producewarnings, activate various ride mechanisms) as a result of thisdetection and association. For example, the first configuration may havebeen changed by a passenger sitting in the ride seat, resulting in allor a portion of the first pattern of the retro-reflective markers 30being covered to produce the second pattern. In this example, the system10 might associate the second pattern with an occupied ride seat. Asdescribed in further detail below, more sophisticated associations maybe performed based on the type and degree of change in patterns of theretro-reflective markers 30. For example, if less than a thresholdamount of the first pattern of the retro-reflective markers 30 iscovered, then the system 10 might indicate that the occupant of the rideseat is too small for the ride, and not allow the ride to start untilthe ride seat is vacant or occupied by a person large enough to cover anappropriate amount of the first pattern (e.g., to produce an appropriatesecond pattern). These and other embodiments are described in furtherdetail below.

In addition to or in lieu of tracking one or more of theretro-reflective markers 30, the tracking system 10 may be configured todetect and track various other objects located within the detection area26. For example, the sensing device 14 of the system 10 may function todetect the light beam 24 bouncing off of an object 50 (withoutretro-reflective markers 30) and provide data associated with thisdetection to the controller 16. That is, the sensing device 14 maydetect the object 50 based entirely on the reflection of electromagneticenergy off the object 50. In some embodiments, the object 50 may becoated with a particular coating that reflects the light beam 24 in adetectable and predetermined manner. Once the controller 16 receives thedata from the sensing device 14, the controller 16 may determine alocation of the object 50. The controller 16 may be configured toidentify certain objects that are expected to cross the path of thelight beam 24 within the detection area 26, including those objects 50that are not marked with retro-reflective material. Such objects 50 mayinclude, among other things, rides, ride restraints, people (e.g.,riders), and rider's personal belongings (e.g., backpack, hat, wallet).

As may be appreciated based on the disclosure above, present embodimentsof the tracking system 10 may be configured to detect positions ofmultiple objects 50 and/or retro-reflective markers 30. That is, insteadof being positioned and calibrated to determine the presence or positionof only a single object (e.g., a single tracked object, a singledetected object, a single object associated with a plurality ofretro-reflective markers 30) in its field of view, the tracking system10 is configured to detect and track multiple objects and/or markerslocated within the same detection area 26 (e.g., multiple patterns ofretro-reflective markers 30, relative positions of different colors orshapes of retro-reflective markers 30). To that end, the emitter 12 isconfigured to flood the detection area 26 with electromagnetic radiation(e.g., via the light beam 24), and the detector 14 is configured todetect the reflected radiation that bounces back from one or more of theobjects 50 and/or retro-reflective markers 30 in the detection area 26.Thus, fewer tracking systems 10 may be utilized to detect objects and/ormultiple markers (e.g., multiple patterns of markers) within a givenarea.

As discussed above, the retro-reflective markers 30 may represent apattern of retro-reflective markers that reflect light from the emitter12 and are detected by the detector 14 of the tracking system 10. In theembodiment illustrated by FIG. 1, the emitter 12 and the sensor orsensing device 14 are positioned adjacent to one another. In someembodiments, the emitter 12 and the sensing device 14 may have aconcentric arrangement. For example, the emitter 12 may be surrounded bymultiple sensing devices 14 or the sensing device may be surrounded bymultiple emitters 14. In other embodiments, the sensing device 14 (e.g.,an infrared camera) may be positioned in a different location withrespect to the emitter 12, which may include an infrared light bulb. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the emitter 12 and the sensing device14 are separate and positioned in different locations. Specifically, theemitter 12 of FIG. 2 is positioned outside of an entrance 58 (e.g., aglass door) of an indoor amusement park attraction containing othercomponents of the system 10. The sensing device 14 of FIG. 2 ispositioned away from the emitter 12 but still oriented to detect lightreflected from the retro-reflective marker 30 and originating from theemitter 12. For illustrative purposes, arrows 60 and 62 represent alight beam being emitted from the emitter into the detection area 26,reflected by the retro-reflective marker 30 on the object 32, anddetected by the sensing device 14. The light beam represented by thearrow 60 is merely one of numerous light beams that flood or otherwiseselectively illuminate the detection area 26 from the emitter 12. Itshould be noted that still other embodiments may utilize differentarrangements of components of the system 10 and implementations indifferent environments in accordance with the present disclosure.

Having now discussed the general operation of the tracking system 10 todetect a position of retro-reflective markers 30 and/or objects 50, asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, certain embodiments of the tracking system10 will be described in detail. For example, it may be desirable totrack the locations of people or objects within the detection area 26associated with the ride (e.g., a ride vehicle and/or a ride loading andunloading areas) through the use of the disclosed tracking systems. Thismay be useful, for example, for identifying occupied ride vehicles,rider and/or restraint position with respect to the rider seat, and howmany riders entered and exited the ride at each ride cycle, amongothers. The presently disclosed tracking system 10 may be configured toidentify and/or track the position and movement of the riders, objectsbelonging to the riders, portions of ride vehicles, or any combinationsthereof, within the detection area 26, for example by associating theriders and/or objects with one or more retro-reflective markers 30. Thetracking system 10 may accomplish this tracking in several differentways, which are described in detail below. It should be noted that thetracking system 10 may detect a position of one or more riders at a timein the same detection area 26 using one or more of the emitter 12,sensing device 14, and controller 16.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an amusement park ride that mayutilize the tracking system 10 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an indooramusement park attraction 80 (herein after referred to as “ride 80”)with multiple ride vehicles 82 traveling along a ride path 84 (e.g., atrack). In the illustrated embodiment, the emitters 12 and sensingdevices 14 of the tracking system 10 are positioned on a ceiling 90 ofthe ride 80. In other embodiments, however, the emitters 12 and sensingdevices 14 may be positioned along other stationary components of theride 80 facing toward the ride path 84. The ride vehicles 82 may includeretro-reflective markers 30 on the portions of the ride vehicles 82where the riders are supposed to sit. Although shown as oneretro-reflective marker 30 per seat position, in other embodiments theremay be an array of retro-reflective markers 30 corresponding to eachindividual seat. For example, the array may form a first pattern ofmarkers identified by the controller 16. When a rider 94 is present in aparticular seat of the ride vehicle 82, the tracking system 10 maydetect a change in the array, for example a change of the first patternresulting from blockage of certain retro-reflective markers 30 (e.g.,thereby forming a second pattern), as discussed below with reference toFIG. 4. The tracking system 10 may also detect a decrease in reflectedlight intensity from the retro-reflective markers 30. For example, incertain embodiments, such as if all of the retro-reflective markers 30are blocked, the tracking system 10 may not detect reflected light fromthe corresponding retro-reflective marker 30 or a subset or array ofmarkers 30. Accordingly, the controller 16 may indicate to an operatorof the amusement attraction 80 that the particular ride seat is occupiedor may perform some control action, such as enabling the ride to begin.Similarly, the retro-reflective markers 30 may be disposed along thetrack 84 to enable the controller 16 to determine that the ride vehicle82 is positioned over the corresponding portion of the track 84.

In other embodiments, the tracking system 10 may detect changes inpattern of the retro-reflective markers 30 in a seat during operation toperform additional monitoring and control. For example, during operationof the amusement attraction 80, the rider 94 may shift within the rideseat. As a result, a portion of the patterns of the retro-reflectivemarker 30 may be exposed at any given time during the duration of theride. Therefore, in addition to monitoring the ridership of the ride 80before the start of the ride, the controller 16 may monitor the changingof the pattern of retro-reflective markers 30 associated with aparticular ride seat to determine a degree of rider shifting within anoccupied seat. As described in further detail below, the controller 16may monitor this degree and may perform certain control actions based onthe monitoring. For instance, the controller 16 may generate an alertfor a ride operator that the rider is not properly seated, or is notadhering to appropriate ride protocols. Additionally or alternatively,the controller 16 may cause the ride to slow or stop altogether. Ifthese determinations are performed before the ride has begun, thecontroller 16 may prevent the ride 80 from initiating until a technicianprovides an “all-clear” or similar indication that the monitoredactivity does not present a problem. Further, if a particular ride seatis fitted with a large retro-reflective marker 30, the controller 30 maymonitor the change in reflected light intensity (e.g., signalattenuation) to make similar determinations and perform similar controlactions. For example, the controller 16 may determine whether a seat isoccupied and whether the occupant is shifting beyond a degree that isappropriate. Further still, the degree of attenuation of the reflectedlight may correspond to a pattern of blocked and unblockedretro-reflective makers 30 indicative of an occupied seat. That is, inone embodiment, rather than monitoring distinct patterns, the controller16 may monitor signal intensity and/or signal attenuation from one ormore of the retro-reflective markers 30.

As an example, when the ride seats of ride vehicles 82 are empty, theone or more retro-reflective markers 30 will be uncovered and able toreflect the light beam 24 back to the sensing device 14 for detectionvia the tracking system 10. In this context, the tracking system 10 maybe used to determine and keep an accurate count of the number of riders94 present on the particular ride 80 (e.g., based on the number ofoccupied seats). This may provide a more accurate count of the number ofriders 94 that actually participate in the ride 80 than would beavailable through a person merely counting the people as they enter aride loading area. In accordance with the determination of the ridershipof particular attractions, the controller 16 of the tracking system 10may maintain a log of the number of riders 94 in each ride vehicle 82,or on all of the ride vehicles 82 during a single pass (e.g., ridecycle) of the ride 80, over the course of hours, days, weeks, months, oryears. This ridership information may be accessible and used to generatereports and predictions relating to the popularity of the ride 80.

As set forth above, in addition to determining ridership, theillustrated tracking system 10 may be used to evaluate whether theriders 94 remain in their seats for the duration of the ride 80. Toenable substantially continuous monitoring of the ride 80 duringoperation, the illustrated tracking system 10 includes multiple emitters12 and sensing devices 14 disposed along the ceiling 90 and along a pathof the ride 80 (e.g., generally along the track 84). These multipleemitters 12 and sensing devices 14 may provide redundancy whilemonitoring the number and/or activity of riders 94 present on the ridevehicles 82. Some detectors 14 may be better positioned to detect lightreflected from certain seats of the ride vehicles 82 than others. Insome embodiments, the multiple emitters 12 and sensing devices 14 may bedisposed at different angles throughout the ride 80 to provide aredundant and, therefore, more accurate count and/or positions of theriders 94 currently on the ride 80. The multiple sets of emitters 12 andsensing devices 14 may be communicatively coupled to the same controller16 (or a control network) for comparing the results from the differentsensing devices 14 and determining an accurate number of riders 94. Itshould be noted that some embodiments may utilize a single detector 14positioned to observe an entire area.

While redundancy in the emitters 12 and sensing devices 14 in the ride80 may be more accurate than a single emitter/sensing device pair forthe entire ride 80, in certain embodiments, all or a portion of thetracking system 10 may be disposed on the ride vehicle 82. That is,rather than attaching the emitter 12 and the sensing device 14 to theceiling 90, or another fixed position relative to the ride vehicle 82,the emitter 12 and the sensing device 14 may be positioned on the ridevehicle 82. FIG. 4 illustrates such an embodiment, where all or aportion of the tracking system 10 is integrated into the ride vehicle82. As shown, the emitter 12 and sensing device 14 of the trackingsystem 10 may be disposed in a front portion 100 of each row 102 in theride vehicle 82 (e.g., facing toward where an occupant would bepositioned while appropriately positioned in the ride vehicle 82).During operation, the emitter 12 may emit the light beam 24 toward anarray of retro-reflective markers 30 (e.g., a pattern) on a seat 108. Ifcertain of the retro-reflective markers 30 (e.g., positioned on a lowerportion of the seat 108) reflect the light back to the sensing device14, the controller 16 may determine that the seat 108 is empty. However,if a rider is sitting in the seat 108, the rider may block all or someof the retro-reflective markers 30 from reflecting the light beam 24back to the sensing device 14. The sensing device 14 may detect, asdiscussed in further detail below with respect to FIG. 6, a change inthe original pattern of the retro-reflective markers 30 (e.g., thepattern when the seat is not occupied), for example forming a changedpattern or no pattern of retro-reflective markers 30, or may detect achange in reflected light intensity from the retro-reflective markers30, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 3. As a result ofdetecting such a change, the controller 16 may determine that a rider ispresent in the seat 108.

Due to variability in rider size and shape, it may be desirable to usean array 110 (e.g., as a pattern) of retro-reflective markers 30disposed on the seat 108, so that the tracking system 10 can identifyseveral points that are either covered or exposed to evaluate whetherthe rider 94 is present. This may make the determination more robustthan if only a single retro-reflective marker 30 were used. However, anydesirable number of retro-reflective markers 30 in any pattern and/orposition may be present on the seat 108 to aid in detection of a personoccupying the seat 108 throughout the ride.

The array 110 of retro-reflective markers 30 may also be particularlydesirable on rides where some degree of rider movement is expected. Thatis, some rides with fast turns and lap bar restraints may allow theriders 94 to slide laterally within the seats 108 while stillsufficiently restraining the rider 94 within the seat 108. Thus, thelarger surface area of the array 110 of retro-reflective markers 30 mayprovide a useful indication that the riders 94 are still appropriatelypositioned in the seats 108. When the rider 94 shifts in the seat 108,one or more of the retro-reflective markers 30 may become uncovered(e.g., a change from a first detected pattern to a second detectedpattern occurs), causing them to reflect electromagnetic radiation backto the corresponding sensing device 14. The controller 16 may determineapproximately how many of the retro-reflective markers 30 are exposedand compare this to a threshold number of retro-reflective markers 30that are expected to be uncovered if a rider were to exit the ridevehicle 82. As a more specific example, the controller 16 may determinea change in location and number of newly detected retro-reflectivemarkers 30 resulting from rider movement, and make certaindeterminations and control actions as a result. In some embodiments, thethreshold numbers or threshold changes in patterns may be determinedbetween the number of retro-reflective markers 30 originally covered bythe rider 94 before the ride starts.

In one embodiment, the controller 16 may monitor the specific patternassociated with a rider in a particular seat. That is, the controller 16may determine that a certain number and location of retro-reflectivemarkers 30 out of one or more rows and/or columns of a pattern of theretro-reflective markers 30 are covered by the rider 94 before the ride80 begins. In other words, the controller 16 may associate a particularpattern with a particular rider (e.g., to produce an “associatedpattern”). The associated pattern may correspond to a pattern of coveredretro-reflective markers 30 (e.g., since the controller 16 will havea-priori information of the original pattern), a pattern of uncoveredretro-reflective markers, or a combination thereof.

During operation of the ride 80, the controller 16 may monitor changesin the associated pattern via changes in numbers and/or locations inthese rows and columns (e.g., when certain retro-reflective markers 30are uncovered and/or covered), and perform control actions whenappropriate based on a degree of rider movement associated with thechange. By monitoring these changes in the associated pattern as opposedto changes against only the original pattern (e.g., before the ridersits in the seat), the controller 16 may be able to account forvariations in rider size and shape, thereby resulting in more accuratemonitoring.

The controller 16 may also associate different degrees of control and/ormonitoring importance with different locations of the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 within the associated pattern. For example, the controller 16may associate a higher degree of control action and/or higher degree ofmonitoring importance with locations in the associated pattern where achange could potentially be indicative of a change in occupancy of theseat. The controller 16 may implement such embodiments, for example, byonly allowing small degrees of changes in the associated pattern at suchlocations.

As another example, the controller 16 may use a reflected lightintensity profile associated with the retro-reflective markers 30. Inthis way, the controller 16 may be able to distinguish between thereflection of a small number of retro-reflective markers 30 (or smallportion of a single marker 30) that are exposed due to shifting in theseat 108 from a larger number of retro-reflective markers 30 (or largerportion of a single marker 30) that are exposed when the rider 94 is notin the seat 108. In other embodiments, the controller 16 may make thedetermination that a rider has left the seat 108 when a certain numberbelow a threshold number of the retro-reflective sensors 30 reflectlight into the sensing device 14. The amount of shifting of the rider 94in the seat 108 may be quantified based on marker detection and utilizedto control aspects of the ride 80. For example, a specific rider mayreceive an automated communication regarding proper positioning prior tostarting a ride.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 4, the array 110 of retro-reflectivemarkers 30 may be disposed in a lumbar region 114 (e.g., a lower region)of the seats 108. The lumbar region 114 may generally refer to an areaof a ride seat back section where a rider's lower back would bepositioned. It may be expected that whenever a person is properlysituated in the seat 108, this lumbar region 114 will generally becovered. Accordingly, if the lumbar region 114 becomes uncovered by therider 94, the controller 16 may determine that it is unlikely that therider 94 is appropriately positioned in the seat 108. If the status ofone of the seats 108 changes (e.g., detecting a rider present in theseat 108 and then not detecting a rider in the seat 108) during theride, the controller 16 of the tracking system 10 may send a signal to acontrol panel of the ride 80 to stop the ride 80 and/or to output analert notifying the ride operators that a person is missing from theride vehicle 82. It should be noted that a single tracking system 10separate from the ride vehicle 82 may also be used for multiple ridevehicles 82 and/or seats 108.

In some embodiments, the total number of retro-reflective markers 30disposed on the seat 108, the acceptable number of retro-reflectivemarkers 30 that may be exposed without indicating a rider is out of theseat 108, and/or the position of the retro-reflective markers 30disposed on the seat 108 may vary from ride to ride. These values may bedifferent depending on the minimum height for riders that can ride inthe ride vehicle 82, the dynamics of the ride (e.g., fast, slow,jolting, smooth), and the manner in which the rider is restrained. Thatis, rides that are made for children and are relatively smooth may notinclude as many retro-reflective markers 30 as an adult ride that isrough and allows some shifting in the seats 108.

In accordance with present embodiments, the retro-reflective markers 30may be positioned along one or more parts of the seat 108 (e.g., aheadrest, a restraint) including on the lumbar region 114. FIG. 5illustrates an embodiment of the seat 108 having the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 positioned in different locations, which may enable thecontroller 16 to perform additional restraint monitoring and control. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the seat 108 includes a base 120 where therider 94 may sit, a back section 124 to support the rider's back, aheadrest 126 to support the rider's head, and a restraint 130 configuredto be lowered down across the rider's chest and lap to maintain therider in the seat 108. However, it should be noted that other types,arrangements, sizes, and shapes of seats 108 may be utilized withinother ride vehicles 82 in accordance with present embodiments. Forexample, the ride vehicle illustrated in FIG. 4 includes pairs of seats108 disposed side by side, these pairs of seats 108 being arranged inthe rows 102 within a single ride vehicle 82. In this type of ridevehicle 82, each row 102 may include a single restraint bar 130 thatlowers down over both riders in the row 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the seat 108 includes the array 110 ofretro-reflective markers 30 in the lumbar region 114 of the back section124 near or transitioning to the seat section 120. In this way, thetracking system 10 may accurately assess the status (e.g., occupied orunoccupied) of the seat 108. In some embodiments, the restraint 130 alsoincludes the retro-reflective markers 30 to facilitate determining itsposition by the emitter 12 and sensing device 14, which may be separateor integral with the seat 108. In embodiments where the tracking system10 is integral with the seat 108, the emitter 12 and the sensing device14 may be positioned, for example, above the headrest 126 of the seat108 or in the restraint 130.

The tracking system 10 may perform restraint monitoring using theretro-reflective markers 30 positioned at these different locations. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the controller 16 may monitor a patternassociated with the retro-reflective markers 30 in the lumbar region 114against a pattern associated with the retro-reflective markers 30 on therestraint 130. In monitoring both patterns against each other, thecontroller 16 may monitor the proximity of the restraint 130 to thelumbar region 114, and therefore monitor whether the restraint 130 is inan appropriate position to restrain the rider 94 during the ride. Asnon-limiting examples, the controller 16 may monitor an apparent size ofthe markers 30 on the restraint 130 versus an apparent size of themarkers 30 on the lumbar region 114, may monitor differences inintensities between the markers 30 on the restraint 130 and markers 30on the lumbar region 114, may monitor a proximity of the markers 30 onthe restraint 130 and markers 30 on the lumbar region 114, and the like.As discussed in further detail below, the use of different colors (e.g.,reflected wavelengths) may facilitate such monitoring. Further examplesof the manner in which ridership and rider restraint may be monitoredmay be further appreciated with reference to FIGS. 6-12 and 13-16,respectively.

As discussed above, the tracking system 10 may detect a change in apattern of the retro-reflective markers 30 to determine ridership and/orrider movement during operation of the ride 80. FIG. 6 illustrates anembodiment of the seat 108 having the retro-reflective markers 30arranged in a first pattern 136 on the back section 124. Certainfeatures of the seat 108 have been omitted to facilitate discussion ofFIG. 6, and it should be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments maybe used in combination with any of the other embodiments disclosedherein as appropriate. The retro-reflective markers 30 may be arrangedin any appropriate pattern, such as a grid, diamond, lines, circles,squares, or the like. The first pattern 136 may include retro-reflectivemarkers 30 spaced apart by a distance that allows the rider 94 or rideobjects (e.g., the ride restraint 130) to be detectable (e.g.,inferentially by blocking one or more of the retro-reflective markers30). The controller 16 may identify the first pattern 136 and correlatethe seat 108 with an unoccupied state. When the rider 94 occupies theseat 108, one or more of the retro-reflective markers 30 are blocked.FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a second pattern 138 associated withone or more blocked retro-reflective markers 30 (as shown by the filledin circles). The sensing device 14 may detect reflected light from theunblocked retro-reflective markers 30 (as shown by unfilled circles),and the controller 16 may identify the second pattern 138 ascorresponding to an occupied seat 108. For example, the controller 16may perform a comparison of the detected light from the unblockedretro-reflective markers 30 in the second pattern 138 with storedpositions of the retro-reflective markers 30 in the first pattern 136.

The tracking system 10 may also be used to ensure an appropriate numberof riders are seated in the row 102 of the ride vehicle 82. For example,in certain amusement attractions, the ride vehicle 82 includes a benchseat rather than individual seats, similar to seat 108. Unlikeindividual ride seats (e.g., the seat 108), bench seats generallyaccommodate several riders. However, at times, an undesirable number ofriders may occupy the bench seat. FIG. 8 illustrates a bench seat 144that may use the tracking system 10 to determine the number of riders 94that occupy the bench seat. Similar to the seat 108, the bench seat 144includes the retro-reflective markers 30 along a bench back section 146.Before operation of the amusement attraction 80, the controller 16 maydetermine if the number of riders 94 exceeds a rider limit for the benchseat 144. For example, when the riders 94 occupy the bench seat 144, theriders 94 may block a portion of the retro-reflective markers 30 (shownin phantom). The sensing device 14 may detect a decrease in reflectedlight intensity due to blocked retro-reflective markers 30 orspecifically detect that certain retro-reflective markers 30 are notvisible (e.g., based on a change of the first pattern associated with anunblocked array of the retro-reflective markers 30). The controller 16may associate the decrease in reflected light intensity or missingretro-reflective markers 30 with a pattern of retro-reflective markers30 that indicates the number of riders 94 on the bench seat 146. If thenumber of riders 94 exceeds a threshold value (stored in the memory 44),the controller 16 may send an output signal to the control panel for theride 80 that alerts the ride operator that the bench seat 146 has toomany riders. The controller 16 may provide a real-time feedback to theride operator, for example, a running head count of the number of riders94 entering the ride 80 and occupying the bench seat 146. In someembodiments, the controller 16 may send a no-go signal to the controlpanel of the ride 80 so that the ride 80 is not allowed to leave thestation unless the bench seat 144 has a desirable number of riders 94.Once the number of riders 94 occupying the bench seat 146 is at or belowthe threshold value, the controller 16 may send a go signal to thecontrol panel and the ride 80 may leave the loading station. In certainembodiments, an override may be provided for use by the ride operator.

In certain embodiments, the tracking system 10 may determine a status ofthe seat 108 or a position of the rider 94 with respect to the ridevehicle 82 using a wearable version of the retro-reflective marker 50.For example, at any time before the riders 94 enter the loading sectionof the ride 80, each rider 94 may be given a wearable retro-reflectivemarker (e.g., a wristband, a necklace, a button). FIG. 9 illustrates anembodiment of a wristband 150 that may be used by the tracking system 10to determine a location of the rider 94 and a status of the seat 108.The wristband 150 includes one or more wearable retro-reflective markers152. The wearable retro-reflective markers 152 may be positioned on thewristband 100 in such a way that light reflected from the wearableretro-reflective markers 152 is detected by the sensing device 14. Forexample, as illustrated, the wearable retro-reflective markers 102 maybe distributed around a circumference of the wristband 102. In this way,at least one of the wearable retro-reflective markers 102 may reflectthe light beam 24 when the rider 94 is in the detection area. In certainembodiments, the wristband 150 may include a single retro-reflectivemarker 102 (e.g., a strip of retro-reflective material) that partiallyor completely wraps around the wristband 150. In other embodiments, thewristband 150 may be made entirely of the retro-reflective material. Asan example, the controller 16 may monitor the retro-reflective markers152 on the wristband 150 (or other wearable item) in relation toretro-reflective markers 30 on the seat 108 to establish rideroccupancy, rider movement, and so forth.

In other embodiments, the wearable retro-reflective markers 152 may bedisposed on an object that belongs to the rider 94. For example, therider 94 may place an adhesive dot or button that includes the wearableretro-reflective marker 152 onto their personal belongings such as, butnot limited to, a backpack, purse, wallet, hat, glasses, or any otherpersonal item. By placing the wearable retro-reflective marker 152 onthe rider's items, these items may be located by the tracking system 10in the event that the rider's items get lost or fall out of the ride 80.

The retro-reflective markers 30 and the wearable retro-reflectivemarkers 152 may include different retro-reflective materials such thateach retro-reflective marker 30 and 152 reflect the light beam 24differently (e.g., at a different wavelength, frequency, or angle). Inthis way, the tracking system 10 may use the retro-reflective markers 30and 152 to assess the status of the seat 108 and a location of the rider94 (or the rider's belongings) relative to the seat 108 and/or the ridevehicle 82, as described in detail below with reference to FIG. 10.Additionally, the tracking system 10 may track the rider's motion withinthe detection area. This may allow an operator of the ride 80 toindentify riders that may be, for example, looking for an empty ridevehicle 82 to occupy.

FIG. 10 illustrates a process flow diagram of a method 160 of operatingthe ride 80 that uses the tracking system 10 for tracking the riders 94using the retro-reflective markers 30 and 152. As should be noted,certain steps in the method 160 may be implemented as instructionsstored in the memory 44 and that are executable by the one or moreprocessors 42 of the controller 16. In the method 160, one or moreriders 94 enter the loading area of the ride 80 (step 162). The loadingarea may generally be within the detection area 26 of the trackingsystem 10.

Following entrance of the riders 94, the method 160 includes detectingthe retro-reflective markers 30 and 152 positioned on the ride 80 and/orthe riders 94 with one or more of the sensing devices 14 (step 164). Forexample, during loading of the ride 80, the riders 94 are positionedwithin the detection area 96. Accordingly, the sensing device 14 is ableto detect light reflecting off of the wearable retro-reflective markers152. The controller 16 may monitor a movement of the wearableretro-reflective markers 152 as the rider 94 moves towards the ridevehicles 82. Before the riders 94 occupy the ride vehicles 82, thesensing device 14 may also detect the retro-reflective marker 30 on theseat 108. Once the riders 94 have occupied the seat 108, the sensingdevice 14 may detect a change in an existing pattern of retro-reflectivemarkers 30 on the seat 108, a decrease in reflected light intensity fromthe retro-reflective markers 30, or both. For example, as discussedabove, the rider 94 may block some or all of the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 when they are positioned in the seat 108. As such, thesensing device 14 detects a change in a reflected light pattern from theretro-reflective markers 30. While this blocking of the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 may be sufficient for occupancy detection, the sensing device14 may also receive reflected light from the wearable retro-reflectivemarkers 152, and use this for redundant occupancy detection, such as tolimit the number of riders on the seat 108. Because the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 and 152 reflect light differently, the controller 16 maydetermine that the seat 108 is occupied by the rider 94, and in someembodiments may determine the number of riders 94 in the seat 108.

As discussed above, the tracking system 10 may keep an accurate count ofthe number of riders 94 present on the particular ride 80. Accordingly,the illustrated method 160 also includes determining (query 166) if allthe riders 94 that have entered the loading area of the amusementattraction 80 are positioned within the ride vehicles 82. For example,the seats 108 having retro-reflective markers 30 with an attenuated(decrease in reflected light intensity) or a blocked signal shouldcorrespond to the number of riders 94 within the detection area of theride 80. If all the riders 94 occupy a ride seat, the controller 16 mayprovide a signal to the control panel of the ride alerting the rideoperator that all the counted riders 94 are positioned in one of theseats 108.

The method 160 may also include actuation and release of the ride 80from the loading section (step 168). The ride 80 may be manuallyactuated by the ride operator or the controller 16 may send a go signalto the control panel for automatic actuation of the ride 80. Incontrast, if the number of occupied ride seats does not correspond tothe number of riders 94 detected in the loading area, the controller 16may actuate an alarm or send a no-go signal to the control panel.Accordingly, the ride 80 may not be released from the loading stationand the method 160 repeats until all the riders 94 occupy a seat 108 oran override is activated.

The method 160 may also include determining (step 172) if all the riders94 have exited the ride 80 after each ride cycle. For example, once allthe riders 94 have exited the ride 80, the sensing device 14 may detectthe original, non-blocked pattern of retro-reflective markers 30 in eachof the seats 108. In certain embodiments, the sensing device 14 maydetect an increase in reflected light intensity from theretro-reflective markers 30 and a decrease in reflected light intensityfrom the wearable retro-reflective markers 152. As a result, thecontroller 16 may determine that all the riders 94 have exited theunloading area of the ride 80. Accordingly, the controller 16 mayprovide a signal to the operator that a following group of riders 94 mayload the amusement attraction 80 and the method 160 repeats.

In addition to, or in lieu of, tracking the status of the ride seat andlocation of riders relative to ride vehicles, the tracking system 10 maybe used to determine if the rider meets ride size requirements. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the amusement attraction 80 may requirethe riders 94 to be a certain height. Generally, the rider's height isevaluated prior to entering the ride. However, the rider's height may beinfluenced by their footwear and/or posture during height measurement,and thereby result in inaccurate height assessment. In addition, due torider size variability, it may be desirable to assess positioning ofride restraints relative to the rider even if the rider meets the heightrequirement for the ride 80.

FIG. 11 is an embodiment of the seat 108 including the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 arranged such that the rider size may be assessed within theseat 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the retro-reflective markers 30are positioned on the headrest 126 and an upper region 180 of the seat108. As should be noted, the headrest 126 and the upper region 180 mayinclude one retro-reflective marker 30 or an array of retro-reflectivemarkers 30. In certain embodiments, the retro-reflective markers 30 onthe headrest 126 and the upper region 180 may be used instead of, or inaddition to, the retro-reflective markers 30 in the lumbar region 114 totrack seat status, as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5-7. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the emitter 12 and the sensing device 14 arepositioned in front of the seat 108 (e.g., in another seat). However, inother embodiments, the emitter 12 and the sensing device 14 may bepositioned in different locations (e.g., on the ceiling 90 of the ride80). In one embodiment, the seat 108 may include an indicator 182 (e.g.,a light) that alerts the operator that the rider 94 meets or does notmeet the size requirements for the ride 80.

In use, the sensing device 14 may detect a decrease in reflected lightintensity or detect reflected light from a specific set ofretro-reflective markers 30 associated with a pattern of exposedretro-reflective markers 30 and retro-reflective markers 30 blocked bythe rider 94, as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5-7. Thecontroller 16 may use this information to determine whether or not therider 94 meets the ride size requirement. FIG. 12 is a process flowdiagram of a method 200 that includes operations performed by thecontroller 16 for rider size assessment using, for example, the seat 108of FIG. 11. Similar to the method 160, instructions for performingcertain steps in the method 200 may be stored as instructions in thememory 44 and are executable by the one or more processors 42 of thecontroller 16. In step 202 of the method 200, the rider 94 occupies theseat 108 of the ride 80. Based on the size of the rider 94, the rider 94may block one or more of the retro-reflective markers 30, for example aparticular set of the retro-reflective markers 30. This may cause acertain pattern of retro-reflective markers 30 to illuminate and/orreflect light. In the context of height determination, the patternassociated with illuminated retro-reflective markers 30 in an upperregion of the seat 108, such as at the head rest 126, may beparticularly important.

Accordingly, the method 200 includes detecting the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 on the headrest 126 and the upper region 180, in step 204. Asdiscussed above, the sensing device 14 may detect a change in pattern ofthe retro-reflective markers 30, sometimes as a decrease in reflectedlight intensity from the retro-reflective markers 30 or asidentification of discrete points corresponding to markers forming aspecific pattern. Consequently, the controller 16 may assess the size ofthe rider 94 relative to the seat 108 based on the change in the pattern(e.g., reduction in number of illuminated/reflecting retro-reflectivemarkers 30 in the headrest 126).

The method 200 also includes determining (query 208) if the rider 94meets the size requirements for the particular ride. For example, if therider 94 blocks one or more retro-reflective markers 30 on the headrest126, the sensing device 14 may detect a smaller column of theretro-reflective markers 30 on the headrest 126 of FIG. 11 than waspresent before the rider sat in the seat 108. The controller 16 may, forexample, compare the detected pattern against stored patterns, comparethe detected light intensity against stored light intensities, compare adetected number of retro-reflective markers against stored numbers ofretro-reflective markers, and so forth, to determine a size of therider. For example, the controller 16 may utilize a look-up table orsimilar data structure where light intensity, patterns, and/or numbersof retro-reflective markers 30 are associated with different riderheights and/or size profiles. However, in a general sense, thecontroller 16 may simply compare detected values associated withdetected retro-reflective markers 30 against threshold values or rangesof values to make the determination of query 208. In this way, if thenumber or pattern of retro-reflective markers 30 indicates a person ofan appropriate size, the controller 16 may determine that the ride canbegin.

Therefore, if the controller 16 determines that all riders are of anappropriate size, the controller 16 may actuate (step 212) a signal tostart the ride. For example, in certain embodiments, the controller 16may send a go signal to the indicator 182 or the control panel for theride alerting the ride operator to start the ride, and the ride vehicleis allowed to leave the loading area. The indicator may display a firstcolored light (e.g., green) indicative of a suitable rider size. Incertain embodiments, the control panel of the ride may display an alertassociated with the go signal such that the ride operator may manuallystart the ride. In other embodiments, the go signal may automaticallyactuate the ride. As should be noted, a change in light intensity and/orpattern of retro-reflective makers 30 on both the headrest 126 and theupper region 180 may need to be detected by the sensing device 14 forthe controller 16 to actuate the go signal for the ride.

In contrast, if the rider 94 does not meet the height requirement forthe ride 80, the rider 94 will not block the retro-reflective markers 30and the sensing device 14 does not detect any change in reflected lightintensity and/or the change does not meet a desired threshold. Thecontroller 16 may determine that the rider 94 does not meet the sizerequirement for the particular ride. As such, the indicator 182 maydisplay a second colored light (e.g., red) indicative of an unmet ridersize requirement. Therefore, in step 220, the ride does not start. Forexample, the controller 16 may send a no-go signal to the control panelof the ride so that the ride is not allowed to leave the loading areaunless the rider 94 is removed from the ride. In certain embodiments,the second colored light may be flashing to draw attention to the rideoperator that the rider 94 does not meet the size requirements. However,in other embodiments, the second colored light is continuous (e.g.,non-flashing). Similarly, if the retro-reflective markers 30 on theupper region 180 of the seat 108 are unblocked by the rider 94, thesensing device 14 (on the restraint 130 or the ceiling 90) may notdetect a desirable change in pattern of the retro-reflective markers 30,and the controller 16 may actuate the no-go signal. For instance, insome embodiments, riders may be required to block certainretro-reflective markers 30 with their hands to allow a ride to beginand/or assess the rider's size. This may be required in conjunction withblocking of the retro-reflective markers 30 (e.g., with the rider'shead) to get a go signal.

As set forth above, in addition to or in lieu of using retro-reflectivemarkers 30 to determine whether a rider is in the seat 108 or the riderhas met a ride size requirement, embodiments of the tracking system 10may be utilized to determine whether or not a rider is securelyrestrained in the ride vehicle 82 prior to the start of the ride.Evaluating the restraints via the automated tracking system 10 mayincrease the efficiency of loading the ride vehicle 82, securing theriders in their seats 108, and initiating the ride sequence.

FIGS. 13 and 14 provide an example of one such restraint evaluationsystem 230 on the ride vehicle 82. The restraint evaluation system 230includes a lap bar restraint 232 in the illustrated embodiment, thoughit should be noted that in other embodiments, different types ofrestraints (e.g., pulled down from above the head such as the restraint130) may be evaluated using similar systems.

The restraint evaluation system 230 includes one or moreretro-reflective markers 30 positioned on a surface (e.g., front portion202) of the ride vehicle 82. The restraint evaluation system 230 isdesigned so that the retro-reflective markers 30 are completely coveredwhen the restraint 232 is lowered from an upright position 234 into alocked position, as shown in FIG. 13. In the illustrated embodiment, forexample, the restraint 232 may include an extension 236 that isconfigured to cover the retro-reflective markers 30 when the restraint232 is secured in the locked position (or, more generally, anappropriate restraint position). In the illustrated embodiment, the ridevehicle 82 includes the emitter 12 angled such that the emitted lightbeam 24 will hit the retro-reflective markers 30 if the restraint 232 isnot fully lowered into the locked position, enabling the markers 30 toreflect the light back toward the sensing device 14, as shown by arrow238 in FIG. 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the emitter 12 ispositioned along a lower portion 240 of the ride vehicle 82. In otherembodiments, the emitter 12 and/or sensing device 14 may be mounted inother places, such as on a ride loading area alongside the ride vehicle82. The sensing device 14 sends a signal 242 indicative of the presenceor absence of reflected electromagnetic radiation to the controller 16,which may provide an indication to a ride operator that the restraint232 is either secured or unsecured. In some embodiments, the controller16 may send a go/no-go signal to a control panel of the ride so that theride is not allowed to leave the station unless all of the restraints232 are in the proper locked position, according to the restraintevaluation system 230.

In addition to tracking the riders 94, ride elements, or other objectsassociated with the ride 80 based on light intensity and/or patternchanges of the retro-reflective markers 30, present embodiments alsoinclude tracking positions of the riders 94 and/or ride elements basedon color recognition of the retro-reflective markers 30. For example, incertain embodiments, the retro-reflective markers 30 may include sets ofone or more markers, where each set (e.g., forming its own pattern or asindividuals) reflect light at a different wavelength that corresponds toa color (e.g., red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet). For example,the retro-reflective markers 30 may reflect a wavelength within thevisible spectrum range such as between approximately 380 nm to 750 nm.However, the different wavelengths may be within any suitable wavelengthrange within the electromagnetic spectrum. Because the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 may reflect light at a different wavelength, in a simplescenario, the tracking system 10 may determine a position of oneretro-reflective marker 30 relative to a second retro-reflective marker30. This may be advantageous is determining proper positioning of theriders 94 and/or ride elements (e.g., ride restraint systems that areseparate pieces, but may need to be attached during operation of theride).

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an embodiment of the restraint 130 that mayutilize retro-reflective markers 30 that reflect light at differentwavelengths. The restraint 130 includes a belt 244 having a maleconnector 246 (e.g., a fastener, hook) and a female connector 248 (e.g.,a buckle). The male connector 246 includes one or more of theretro-reflective markers 30 that reflect light at a first wavelength andthe female connector 248 includes one or more of the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 that reflect light at a second wavelength different from thefirst. Prior to the rider 94 occupying the ride seat 108, the connectors246, 248, may be uncoupled. Therefore, the retro-reflective markers 30on the connector 246 are separated by a distance α from theretro-reflective markers 30 on the connector 248. The controller 16 mayidentify the distance α between the retro-reflective markers 30 on therespective connector 246, 248 as corresponding to uncoupled connectors.

Once the rider 94 occupies the seat 108, the tracking system 10 maymonitor the distance α between the retro-reflective markers 30 on theconnectors 246 and 248 to determine a position of the connectors 246,248 with respect to one another. Accordingly, the controller 16 maydetermine when the connectors 246 and 248 are coupled. FIG. 16illustrates the connectors 246 and 248 in a coupled configuration. Asillustrated, the distance between the retro-reflective markers 30decreases when the connectors 246 and 248 are coupled. The controller 16may determine a change in the distance α (e.g., Δα) between theconnectors 246 and 248. Based on the change in the distance α, thecontroller 16 may indicate to the ride operator that the connectors 246and 248 are properly connected, based on the detected distance. Thecontroller 16 may send a go/no-go signal to the ride control panel basedon the distance α. For example, if the controller 16 determines that thechange in the distance α corresponds to coupled connectors 246 and 248,the controller 16 may send a go signal to the ride control panel torelease the ride vehicle 82 from the loading station. The trackingsystem 10 may monitor the distance d between the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 on the connectors 246, 248 throughout the duration of theride 80. Accordingly, if the distance d between the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 of coupled connectors 246, 248 changes during operation ofthe ride 80 (e.g., the distance α increases), the controller 16 mayalert the rider operator that the connectors 246, 248 are not properlycoupled, may provide an alert to the rider, and so forth.

Other types of restraint evaluation may be provided by the trackingsystem 10. For example, in certain embodiments, the restraint evaluationsystem 230 may be used to determine whether a ride door is properlysecured. FIG. 17 is an embodiment of the ride vehicle 82 having a door250 designed to secure the rider 94 in the ride vehicle 82. In theillustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle 82 includes theretro-reflective markers 30 at an interface 252 between a ride wall 254and a door wall 256. Alternatively, the retro-reflective markers 30 maybe positioned on the door wall 256. During operation, the restraintevaluation system 230 may evaluate the status of the ride door 250(e.g., open or closed) by detecting a change in light reflected from theretro-reflective markers 30 (e.g., corresponding to movement of themarkers 30 and covering of the markers 30). That is, if the ride door250 is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the door wall 256 blocks theretro-reflective markers 30 on the ride wall 254, and the sensing device14 detects a change in the reflected light (e.g., a decrease inreflected light intensity) or may not detect any reflected light. Thedecrease in reflected light intensity may indicate that the ride door250 is closed, and the ride may be allowed to leave the loading station.

In other embodiments, the tracking system 10 may be used to ensure theriders 94 remain within a boundary region of the ride 80. This may bebeneficial in ensuring that the riders 94 remain properly positioned andfollow proper ride procedures throughout the duration of the ride cycle.The amusement attraction may include retro-reflective markers 30 arounda perimeter of the boundary region. For example, FIG. 19 is an overheadschematic view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle 82 that includes aboundary region 262. In certain embodiments, the boundary region 262 maybe around an outer perimeter 264 of the ride that may be detected by thetracking system 10. In other embodiments, the boundary region 262 mayextend a certain distance away from the outer perimeter 264, as shownwith reference to FIG. 19. Specifically, for example, the boundaryregion 262 may be defined relative to the detected location of theretro-reflective markers 30. During operation of the ride, the rider 94may be advised to remain within the boundary region 262. As an exampleillustrated in FIG. 20, when a rider crosses into the boundary region262, the sensing device 14 may detect a change in reflected lightintensity. Accordingly, the controller 16 may provide control signals tothe control panel of the ride that may provide instructions to stop theride provide a warning signal (e.g., visual and/or audible alarm). Incertain embodiments, the tracking system 10 may detect the wearableretro-reflective markers 152 on the wristband 150 worn by the rider 94to determine whether the rider 94 crossed the boundary region 262 or ifthe change in reflected light intensity from the retro-reflectivemarkers 30 in the boundary region 262 was due to an anomaly.

FIG. 20 illustrates an overhead schematic of a centrifugal amusementattraction 266 that may also utilize the boundary region 262 to ensurethat the rider remains in a predetermined location of the ride. While inthe centrifugal amusement attraction 266, the rider 94 is positionedwithin an area 268 between the boundary region 262 and the outerperimeter 264. During operation of the centrifugal amusement attraction266, a centrifugal force 270 pushes the rider 94 against the outerperimeter 264 and away from the boundary region 262. However, if thecentrifugal force is less than desired, as indicated by arrow 272, therider 94 may move towards the boundary region 262. Therefore, if therider 94 crosses into the boundary region 262, the controller 16 mayinstruct the ride, or an operator of the ride, to adjust a rotationalspeed of the ride to increase the centrifugal force or stop the ride.Detection of this may be achieved by providing an array ofretro-reflective markers 30 on a platform occupied by a rider. Bydetecting which retro-reflective markers 30 are visible, the rider'slocation on the platform can be monitored.

FIG. 21 illustrates a process flow diagram of a method 280 forevaluating a position of a rider of the centrifugal amusement attraction266 relative to the boundary regions 262 illustrated and described withreference to FIGS. 19 and 20. Similar to the methods 160 and 200, themethod 280 may include steps that are stored as instructions in thememory 44 and that are executable by one or more processors 42 of thecontroller 16. It should be noted that in some embodiments, steps of themethod 280 may be performed in different orders than those shown, oromitted altogether. In addition, some of the blocks illustrated may beperformed in combination with each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the method 280 includes determining alocation of the rider 94 based on a position of the reflectedelectromagnetic radiation received by the sensing device 14 of thetracking system 10, in step 282. Again, this position may be determinedbased on a detection of electromagnetic radiation reflected fromretro-reflective markers 30 disposed in an area generally occupied bythe rider 94 (e.g., the seat 108, bench seat 144, area 266) and/or thewearable retro-reflective markers 152.

The method 280 also includes detecting a boundary (e.g., the boundaryregion 262) to the ride, in step 284. For example, the sensing device 14may detect the retro-reflected markers 30 around the perimeter of theboundary region 262 associated with the ride 80. Using the detectedreflected light, the controller 16 may determine a pattern of theretro-reflective markers 30. The controller 16 may compare the patternof the detected retro-reflective markers 30 with a predetermined patterncorresponding to the boundary region 262.

In step 286, the controller 16 determines a proximity of the rider 94 tothe boundary. In an embodiment, the controller 16 may monitor a patternof the retro-reflective markers 30, and monitor changes to this patternthat may be an indication that a rider has entered a region of the ride80 that is generally undesirable (e.g., the boundary region 262). Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the rider 94 may use thewearable retro-reflective marker 152 during operation of the centrifugalamusement attraction 266. The controller 16 may determine a distancebetween the retro-reflective markers 30 associated with the boundaryregion 262 and the wearable retro-reflective marker 152 on the rider 94.Using the distance between the retro-reflective markers 30 and 152, thecontroller 16 may determine the proximity of the rider 94 to theboundary region 262. In still further embodiments, the controller 16 maydetermine a change in reflected light intensity from theretro-reflective markers 30 at the boundary region 262. For example, asthe rider 94 approaches the boundary region 262, the reflected lightintensity from the retro-reflective markers 30 may decrease.

In addition, the method 280 includes comparing the determined proximitywith a predetermined threshold value in step 288. That is, thecontroller 16 may determine a pattern change or reflected lightintensity profile associated with the retro-reflective markers 30 or adistance relationship between retro-reflective markers 30 and 152.

If the determined proximity is less than or equal to the thresholdvalue, the method 280 includes adjusting (step 290) an operationalparameter of the ride. As discussed above, the controller 16 of thetracking system 10 may send a control signal to a control panel of theride to actuate this adjustment and/or stop the ride. If the determinedproximity is greater than the threshold, however, no change is made andthe method 280 repeats.

The present disclosure may also be applicable to rides that are usedoutdoors (e.g., even in sunlight), such as water-based rides. Forexample, present embodiments of the tracking system 10 may use lightreflection techniques to provide zone control assistance on thewater-based rides. For example, FIG. 22 illustrates a waterslide 300that is at least partially enclosed within a tube 302. Once someoneenters the waterslide 300 from an elevated platform 304, it may bedifficult for the lifeguard at the top of the elevated platform 304 todetermine when it is time for the next rider to go down the waterslide300. In certain waterslides 300, the lifeguard may need to wait untilthe rider emerges from the enclosed tube 302 at the end of thewaterslide 300 to ensure that the rider is moving through the tube 302as desired and that enough time has passed for another rider to enter.Using the tracking system 10, however, it may be possible to minimizethe amount of time between each rider entering the waterslide 300 fromthe elevated platform 304. To that end, the tube 302 may be equipped atone or more points along the length of the waterslide 300 with one ormore of the emitters 12 and sensing devices 14. The waterslide 300 mayalso include a waterslide seat (e.g., a mat, an inflatable tube). Thewater slide seat 306 may include one or more of the retro-reflectivemarkers 30. The sensing device 14 may detect riders as they pass throughthe waterslide 300. This detection may be made based on the expectedsignature of the light beam 24 reflecting off the rider going past, orbased on light reflected off retro-reflective markers 30 disposed on atube 306. The sensing device 14 may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) withthe controller 16 of the tracking system 10 and the controller 16 mayprovide a control signal to the actuatable device 18. In this case, theactuatable device 18 may include a light 308, or other visual indicator,on the elevated platform 304 configured to indicate that the trackingsystem 10 has determined that the previous rider is passing the sensingdevice 14 in the waterslide 300. This light 308 signals the lifeguard tosend the next rider down the waterslide 300, thus increasing theefficiency of operation of the waterslide 300.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5-7,the tracking system 10 may monitor a position of the rider with respectto the waterslide seat 306. For example, based on an intensity change ofreflected light or a pattern of unblocked retro-reflective markers 30,the tracking system 10 may determine if the rider is separated from thewaterslide seat 306 while in the tube 302.

While only certain features of the present embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes willoccur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the appended claims are intended to cover all such modificationsand changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a ride seat disposedwithin an amusement park ride and having a support against which a ridercan be restrained; a restraint associated with the ride seat andconfigured to restrain the rider within the ride seat, wherein therestraint comprises a first portion having a first connector, a secondportion having a second connector, a first retro-reflective markerdisposed on the first connector and a second retro-reflective markerdisposed on the second connector, wherein the first connector and thesecond connector are configured to couple to one another to secure therestraint and thereby restrain the rider within the ride seat; and atracking system configured to determine whether the restraint is securedbased at least on identification and tracking of the first and secondretro-reflective markers, wherein the tracking system comprises: anemitter configured to emit light toward the first and second retro-reflective markers; a detector configured to detect retro-reflectedlight from the first and second retro-reflective markers; and acontroller coupled to the detector and configured to identify respectivepositions of the first and second retro-reflective markers based ondetection of the retro-reflected light, wherein the controller isconfigured to determine a status of the restraint indicative of whetherthe first and second connectors are coupled based on relativepositioning of the first and second retro-reflective markers, andwherein the controller is configured to adjust an operational parameterof the amusement park ride based on the status of the restraint.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured todetermine the position of the first connector relative to the secondconnector based on a distance between the first retro-reflective markerand the second retro-reflective marker.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether therestraint is secured based on a change in distance between the firstretro-reflective marker and the second retro-reflective marker, whereinthe first connector is connected to the second connector when therestraint is secured.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the controlleris further configured to associate a decrease in the distance betweenthe first retro-reflective marker and the second retro-reflective markerfrom a first distance to a predetermined distance with securement of therestraint.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to associate an increase in the distance between the firstretro-reflective marker and the second retro-reflective marker with aconfiguration in which the restraint is not secured.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to monitor adistance between the first retro-reflective marker and the secondretro-reflective marker during operation of the amusement park ride tomonitor the position of the first connector relative to the secondconnector and thereby continuously evaluate proper restraint of therider.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to actuate an audible or visual alert via an interfacecommunicatively coupled to the controller based on a change in adistance between the first connector and the second connector duringoperation of the amusement park ride.
 8. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first retro-reflective marker reflects light at a first wavelengthand the second retro-reflective marker reflects light at a secondwavelength that is different from the first wavelength.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the restraint is a belt formed by the first portion andthe second portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first endportion having the first connector and a second end portion having thesecond connector.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstretro-reflective marker comprises a first plurality of retro-reflectivemarkers and the second retro-reflective marker comprises a secondplurality of retro-reflective markers.
 11. A method comprising: emittingelectromagnetic radiation from an emitter of a tracking system toward aplurality of retro-reflective markers disposed on a ride seat of anamusement park ride, wherein the ride seat comprises a restraintcomprising a first connector and a second connector, wherein a firstportion of the plurality of retro-reflective markers is disposed on thefirst connector and a second portion of the plurality ofretro-reflective markers is disposed on the second connector, whereinthe first connector and the second connector are configured to couple toone another to secure the restraint and thereby restrain a rider withinthe ride seat, and wherein the tracking system is configured to identifyand track the plurality of retro-reflective markers; retro-reflectingthe electromagnetic radiation with the plurality of retro-reflectivemarkers; detecting the retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation with adetector of the tracking system; identifying respective positions of thefirst and second portions of the plurality of retro-reflective markersbased on detection of the retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation;determining a status of the restraint indicative of whether the firstand second connectors are coupled based on relative positioning of thefirst and second portions of the plurality of retro-reflective markersusing a controller communicatively coupled to the tracking system;providing, using the controller, a user-perceivable indication ofwhether the restraint is secured or not secured based on the relativepositioning of the first and second portions of the plurality ofretro-reflective markers; and adjusting an operational parameter of theamusement park ride based on the status of the restraint.
 12. The methodof claim 11, further comprising determining, using the controller, therelative positioning of the first and second portions of the pluralityof retro-reflective markers based on a distance between the first andsecond portions of the plurality of retro-reflective markers, andassociating a decrease in the distance between the first portion of theplurality of retro-reflective markers and the second portion of theplurality of retro-reflective markers with securement of the restraint.13. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining, using thecontroller, a position of the first and second connectors based on adistance between the first and second portions of the plurality ofretro-reflective markers, and associating, using the controller, anincrease in the distance between the first portion of the plurality ofretro-reflective markers and the second portion of the plurality ofretro-reflective markers with a configuration in which the restraint isnot secured.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising monitoring,using the controller, a change in the distance between the first portionof the plurality of retro-reflective markers and the second portion ofthe plurality of retro-reflective markers during operation of theamusement park ride to monitor whether the first connector and thesecond connector are coupled and thereby evaluate proper restraint ofthe rider.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising actuating adevice in response to determining the position of the first connectorrelative to the second connector, wherein the device is communicativelycoupled to the amusement park ride.
 16. A system comprising: a ridesystem disposed within an amusement park ride, wherein the ride systemcomprises: a ride seat having a support against which a rider can berestrained; a restraint associated with the ride seat and having asecured and unsecured configuration, wherein the secured configurationis configured to prevent the rider from exiting the ride seat; a firstplurality of retro-reflective markers configured to reflect light at afirst wavelength; and a second plurality of retro-reflective markersconfigured to reflect light at a second wavelength different from thefirst wavelength; a tracking system configured to determine whether therestraint is secured based at least on identification and tracking ofthe first and second plurality of retro-reflective markers, wherein thetracking system comprises: an emitter configured to emit light towardthe first and second plurality of the retro-reflective markers; adetector configured to detect the reflected light from the first andsecond plurality of the retro-reflective markers; and a controllercoupled to the detector and configured to identify respective positionsof the first and second plurality of retro-reflective markers based ondetection of the reflected light, wherein the controller is configuredto determine whether the restraint is in the secured or unsecuredconfiguration based on relative positioning of the first and secondplurality of retro-reflective markers, and wherein the controller isconfigured to adjust an operational parameter of the amusement park ridebased on a status of the restraint.
 17. The system of claim 16, whereinthe restraint comprises a belt comprising a first portion having a firstend portion and a first connector disposed on the first end portion anda second portion having a second end portion and a second connectordisposed on the second end portion, and wherein the first plurality ofretro-reflective markers are disposed on the first connector and thesecond plurality of retro-reflective markers are disposed on the secondconnector.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to determine a position of the first and second connectorsbased on a distance between the first and second pluralities ofretro-reflective markers and associate a decrease to a predetermineddistance between the first plurality of retro-reflective markers and thesecond plurality of retro-reflective markers with the securement of therestraint.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to determine a position of the first and second connectorsbased on a distance between the first and second portions of theplurality of retro-reflective markers and associate an increase in thedistance between the first plurality of retro-reflective markers and thesecond plurality of retro-reflective markers with the unsecuredconfiguration.